Keralites in Mumbai welcome prohibition

But say the issue could be dealt with without encroaching on personal choice

Keralites in the city have welcomed the Kerala government's move to ban liquor. The most-touted reason behind such a step ids that alcohol consumption was becoming a "problem" in Kerala. However, some feel that the prohibition could have been implemented in a better than blatant encroachment on personal choice.

"There is no doubt that alcohol consumption was becoming a problem in Kerala. But, the government could have practised prohibition by not encroaching on an individual's choice," said K N Karthikeyan, a resident of Santacruz, who frequents Kerala every two months. He added, "If the elected representatives feel that we are mature enough to elect them, they should consider us mature enough to decide where to draw the line in this issue too."

However, most felt that the ban was justified as it will decrease its consumption and check the desire to have it among the new generation. "If they do not see it, they will not ask for it. Gradually then, the new generation will be off it. Youngsters are particularly attracted towards alcohol," said Premrajan Nambiar, who runs a shop Matunga.

Dr. Bejoy Kutty, cardiac surgeon who was of the same opinion pointed out the various illnesses due to which the ban should be considered on a wider scale. "On ethical and health issue, I feel what they have done is justified. In fact they can look at extending it in the entire country. Drinking problem in Kerala was getting acute. There were alcoholism related psychiatric illnesses, alcohol abuse and suicide. Those who want to drink will anyway find a way. But this will reduce and keep people away from it to a large extent."

While prohibition was one thing, there were many who felt that it may not work at all. V S Nair, a resident of Bandra said, "This won't work. It has not worked in any of the states. The prohibition is not even uniformly implemented. Why should there not be the same rules with starred hotels too?"